Impact Of Intensive Cropping Systems On PhysicalProperties Of Surface Soils

The objective of this paper is to report the cumulative effects of cropping system intensification on the near surface soil physical properties (surface one inch of soil) within the Colorado dryland agroecoystem project, which has been in existence since 1986. Intensifying cropping systems from wheat-fallow to wheat-com-fallow to continuous cropping, increased crop residue return to the soil. Returning more residue to the soil surface: (I) decreased bulk density; (2) increased effective porosity; (3) increased sorptivity; (4) increased macro soil aggregation; and (5) appeared to improve potential water capture of the overall system. Increases in surface soil aggregation and effective porosity were linearly related to crop residue return. These data imply that long-term use of intensified cropping systems should result in improved soil physical conditions that will enhance overall system productivity.